Last Name Rimmer

The surname Rimmer is of English origin, specifically from the North of England, particularly Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is believed to be a locational name derived from places called Rimmers, which were named from Old Norse bynames such as Rimr or Rymr, meaning 'rimer' or 'carver', combined with Old English 'hyll', meaning 'hill'. Over time, the name was given to someone who lived near such a place or came from it. As with many surnames, the spelling of Rimmer has been modified over centuries due to various factors, including linguistic and cultural changes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rimmer

The meaning and origin of the last name Rimmer

The surname Rimmer is an English and Scottish name of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English term "rimor," which means "raven" or "dark-colored." It's believed that it may have been used as a byname for someone with dark hair, or perhaps a person who had a raven as a symbol or totem. Over time, the spelling of the name has undergone some variations, such as Rimme, Rymer, and Ryemer, reflecting the phonetic changes that occurred in English dialects throughout history. Today, the surname Rimmer is predominantly found in England, Scotland, and among their diaspora around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rimmer

The surname Rimmer is primarily distributed across Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland, reflecting its historical origins. In the UK, it is most commonly found in regions such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire, suggesting potential links to Viking or Anglo-Saxon settlements. The name is also prevalent in Ireland, with significant concentrations in counties like Cork, Dublin, and Kerry. Beyond Europe, the Rimmer surname can be found in small numbers in countries like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, where it has been carried by emigrants from the British Isles. In these newer locations, the distribution is often more dispersed than in its traditional heartlands, reflecting the mobile nature of modern society. The Rimmer surname thus presents a rich tapestry of geographical diversity, with deep historical roots in the UK and Ireland and more recent dispersions to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rimmer

The surname Rimmer can be found with various spelling variants, including: Rimmer, Rymer, Ryeman, Ryeman(n), Ryemer, Rymmer, and Ryme. These differences arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and name simplification over time. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to medieval England and Scotland, suggesting a possible origin from the Old Norse word "rimr," meaning a rim or border. In the United States, some families who share this surname can trace their lineage to early settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Rimmer/Rymer family is also found among the early settlers of Australia and New Zealand, with many descendants still residing there today.

Famous people with the last name Rimmer

Among the notable individuals with the surname Rimmer are Douglas Alan Rimmer and Craig Charles Rimmer, both British. Douglas Rimmer is a prominent theoretical physicist, known for his work on the theory of quark confinement and the development of lattice quantum chromodynamics. He has received numerous awards, including the Max Planck Research Prize and the Dirac Medal. On the other hand, Craig Charles Rimmer, better known as just Craig Charles, is a renowned actor and musician. He is best recognized for his role as Dave Lister in the BBC sitcom "Red Dwarf." Apart from acting, he has also had a successful career as a DJ and soul singer. Both Douglas and Craig Rimmer have made significant contributions to their respective fields and continue to be influential figures in their industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Rimmer

The surname Rimmer is of English origin, primarily found in the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Historically, it was initially a geographical or occupational name for someone who lived by a ridge or small hill, derived from Old Norse "rimr" or Old English "hrymman," meaning 'ridge.' Another possibility is that the name was an occupational surname for a weaver, as "rimmer" could refer to the loom used in weaving.

The earliest known record of the Rimmer family can be traced back to the late 12th or early 13th century when Richard de Rymer was recorded in Lancashire. Over the centuries, members of the Rimmer family were involved in various professions such as farming, weaving, and craftsmanship. Notable individuals include John Rimmer, a tailor who emigrated from Yorkshire to Massachusetts in the 17th century, and George Rimmer, a British Army officer during the Napoleonic Wars. Today, descendants of the Rimmer family can be found worldwide due to migrations over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rimmer"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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